The Old Flashlight

Chapter 9

Avery walked to her house, but stopped in her tracks. She stood on the sidewalk and stared at the small bit of grass growing in the crack.

Maybe I should give this locket to Jackie's grandfather. He might want it more than me.

Avery turned around and walked towards Jackie's house, her heart beating so hard she felt her ribcage vibrate with each beat. Jackie's house came into view, making Avery swallow hard to keep back the tears. She knocked on the door, and waited roughly ten seconds before her grandfather opened it

"Oh, you're Jackie's friend.....remind me what your name was, please." he said, clearly drunk. "My name is Avery Challen, sir. I have something of Jackie's, and I'd like to give it to you." she said, handing it to him. "Just put it in her room." he muttered, walking to the couch.

Heading to Jackie's room, Avery felt her anxiety kick in, making her hands sweaty and her breathing pick up. She stuck out a trembling hand to reach for the doorknob, and told herself to keep calm. She felt a sob escape her lips when she saw Jackie's room, the exact same as it was when she was here. Avery could almost see Jackie standing there, smiling at her. She wanted to hug Jackie and tell herself that Jackie really was there, but that was a lie. She walked over to Jackie's desk, placing the locket down. Avery noticed some drawings and decided to look at them. They all looked scribbled, as if a five year-old drew them. There was a tree with an orange mustang driving behind it. There was a scuff on the right side of the hood and a green peace sign hanging from the rear view mirror. Another one was an open gate with part of an orange mustang in the drawing. Then there was another one. Two people, faces unrecognizable, walking out of a video store. The next one was the same two people walking on the sidewalk, the same orange mustang driving towards them. After that, there was a house with the open gate and tree, and the same orange mustang parked in the driveway. The last drawing was a missing child paper with Mara's face on it.

Holy shit. I know where Mara is. That's 417 Wilveer street. That's the house nobody's ever been in.

Avery ran out of Jackie's room to her grandfather, seeing him jump at her quick appearance.

"Sir, I know where Jackie is. I can show you right now." Avery said. He jumped to his feet and threw on his shoes and coat, following her out of the door.